Knowing How to Ask

Knowing How to Ask

1 John 5: ¹³ I am writing this to you so that you may know that you have eternal life—you that believe in the Son of God. ¹⁴ We have courage in God's presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. ¹⁵ He hears us whenever we ask him; and since we know this is true, we know also that he gives us what we ask from him.

 

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“Can I go outside?” was my innocent question “No, it’s about to rain” was the decline. “Can I use the car?” “No, you don’t have your driver’s license yet.” “Can I have time off?” was the question I asked my boss later in life. “No, the company is in a state of emergency and we need everyone.” “Why does ‘everybody’ tell me NO!?

 

• I was tired of hearing NO for an answer.
• I was tired of not getting “my” way.
• I was tired of having to ask for stuff!

 

John addressed those who had needs. He first provided comfort to those who believe in JESUS as the Savior, by telling them they have eternal life. But what about life on earth? He addressed that to by saying “HE hears us if we ask HIM for anything that is according to HIS will.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD is sovereign and has the right to hear all of my requests and can say “Yes”, “No” or “Not Right Now.”
• GOD wants to help me be part of HIS plan.
• My requests work best when they align with GOD’s will.

 

Asking GOD for anything does not mean I will get everything. I mean, if I were to ask for something sinful, HE will say “No.” He will then guide me to grow up and ask HIM “What do YOU want?”

 

GOD gets excited when I try to align with HIS will. HE sees my efforts to do what pleases HIM, namely seeking the lost and serving my neighbors. HE cam to seek and to serve, so should I. I am glad GOD hears and answers my prayers with a “Yes” when I align to HIS good and perfect will.

 

Challenge:

• Why does the writer mention courage?
• Have you ever wanted something that you knew was not good for you?
• Will you align your request to GOD’s will and seek what HE wants today?

Decide and Supplied

 

Decide and Supplied

Acts 28: ⁷ There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. ⁸ His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. ⁹ When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. ¹⁰ They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

 

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With a car that no longer worked and creditors calling, I was at wits end. I got a little angry that I was in a small town and did not have anyone to call for help. As I sat in my apartment, I decided to turn back to GOD.

 

Maybe I’m going about things wrong. I went to a place where I could learn about GOD. After months of focusing on HIM, I noticed my entire life had changed. Not only were bills paid, I was able to purchase my first new car. But that wasn’t all. I was able to teach people about GOD.

 

• There were times in my life when I felt empty.
• There were times in my life when I felt worried.
• There were times in my life when I felt like I had no help.

 

The chief official of the island invited everyone over his estate. Paul noticed the official’s father was sick in bed and went in to see him. GOD healed the father through Paul. Everyone on the island brought their sick to Paul and were cured. Afterwards, the crew and Paul were supplied with all they needed to sail to Rome by the thankful islanders.

 

• GOD wants me to decide to follow HIM without expecting things to change.
• GOD wants me to follow HIM because of our loving relationship.
• GOD wants me to recognize that HE supplies my needs when I am obedient to HIM.

 

When GOD gives purpose, HE supplies the means to carry it out. I mean, when HE tells me HE is going to do something in my life, it may not happen as fast as I think, but it will happen. GOD sees the moment I decide to sincerely follow HIM. HE supplies me with everything I need to carry out HIS great plan HE has for me. I am glad HE sees me in the time of need.

 

• Are you in need right now?
• Have you been worrying for a long time?
• Will you decide to follow GOD anyway and praise HIM for supplying your needs before you get them?

Stands For

Stands For

John 16: ²³ “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. ²⁴ Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

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“Make us look good” was the statement posed to me. I was at a career fair, recruiting students from my alma mater. “What great stories can I tell?” I thought to myself. I came up with some of the facts and statistics that made the company look great.

• I really wanted people to come work for the company I worked for.
• I desired to show the benefits of working at “my” company.
• I wanted to show people what the company stood for.

JESUS says a familiar statement again. HE said “Whatever you ask the FATHER in MY name HE will give you.” So does this mean I can ask for “anything” I want? Maybe not.

• JESUS wants me to ask for things that represent HIM well.
• JESUS wants me to desire what HE wants.
• JESUS wants me to ask the FATHER for salvation of family, friends, neighbors and those who hate me.

“In MY name” doesn’t just mean mouthing the words “In JESUS name.” I believe it means “Represent ME well.” If what I am asking for involves anger, lust, envy, hatred, malice, slander, or greed, then more than likely I may not get it. Or even worse, maybe GOD will give it to me and let me fall away from HIM.

GOD wants all humans to be saved. That’s what HE stands for. Getting a new phone may be nice, BUT GOD wants “that” person in your life saved. All of heaven rejoices when one person stops rejecting GOD and accepts JESUS as their Savior. FATHER, I ask for those who are my family, friends and neighbors to know JESUS in a saving way. In JESUS name, amen.

• What are you asking for deep down in your heart?
• At the core of your thinking, which GOD can see, are you asking for things for you or for HIM?
• Will you ask for things that represent JESUS well?

Honorable Mention

Honorable Mention

John 14: ¹² “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. ¹³ And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

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“LORD help me pass this test” I said quickly. “Oh, I forgot, in JESUS name” I added. Days later I received my failing grade. “LORD, please pay this stack of bills” I said frustrated. “Oh, yes, in JESUS name” I grunted. I got final notices that they were going to shut off my utilities if I did not pay. I gave HIM an honorable mention.

• When I get nervous, I simply want a quick way out of the problem.
• When I get in trouble, I simply want the fastest way out of the trouble.
• When I get frustrated, I simply want relief from my frustrations.

JESUS says some very profound words when HE tells the disciples they will do greater works than HE did. HE then goes on to say, “If you ask for anything ‘IN MY NAME’, I will do it. But why doesn’t this always work?

• JESUS wants me to ask for the things HE stands for.
• JESUS wants me to desire what HE desires.
• JESUS wants me to bring HIS lost sheep back to HIM.

Asking a florist to fix my car will yield the same answer, namely “I cannot do that.” No matter how many times I ask, it would be out of character for the florist to do something that is outside of their “name.” GOD will not do something that is out of HIS will.

JESUS wants me to understand HIS desires, so when I ask, HE will give it to me in abundance. If someone is sick, it is not just about healing, it is about people giving their life back to GOD.

HE wants people to see HIS healing power, but only for the purpose of them, or those around them, to be excited enough to go out and tell others about HIM. I ask JESUS for the salvation of those HE has placed around me so they will be HIS disciples to reach others.

• What do you think you need?
• Is what you need part of GOD’s desire to bring mankind back to HIM?
• Will you seek first what GOD desires, so HE will bless your requests abundantly?

Just a Touch

Luke 6: ¹⁷ And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, ¹⁸ as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. ¹⁹ And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

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Walking down the street troubled I did not see anyone I passed. I almost walked in front of a fast car racing to turn a corner, but even that did not break through my distractions. Out of nowhere a person seemed to appear next to me holding a sign with the words “GOD Bless You”. I handed the person a dollar and immediately felt better. My distractions went away.

• Sometimes life can be distracting
• Sometimes life can have a lot going on.
• Sometimes life can have very difficult moments.

JESUS fame spread throughout the area and a huge crowd went to see HIM. HE could do nothing but stand there as people pushed and shoved their way to simply touch HIM. When they did, they were immediately healed of any disease they had. Unclean spirits shrieked from their bodies and they were no longer tormented.

• GOD wants me to know I just need a little touch from HIM to be healed.
• GOD wants me to believe that any problem can be fixed by HIM.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIS mighty power and know I only need a touch from HIM.

Just a tiny amount of GOD can do infinite wonders. HE has healed me, saved me and lifted me when I was down. Even speaking the name “JESUS” can drive out tormenting spirits that people classify with other labels. I need just a touch of JESUS daily and I am alright.

• Are you distracted?
• Do you have a lot on your mind?
• Can you seek just a little of JESUS to have HIM carry your burdens away?

Powerful Mercy

Mark 5: Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. ² And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, ³ who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, ⁴ because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. ⁵ And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

⁶ When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. ⁷ And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You do not torment me.”

⁸ For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” ⁹ Then He asked him, “What is your name?”

And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” ¹⁰ Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

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Driving on a sunny day made me feel great. I was on my way to a friend’s house to enjoy some company. As I drove through the intersection near his house, a car ran a stop sign and hit my old junker. With little apology they threatened me instead of providing their insurance. I wanted them arrested for the rest of their lives!

• Sometimes I want revenge!
• Sometimes I want “justice!”
• Sometimes I want “that” person to get what’s coming to them!

JESUS does something absolutely amazing in this slice of history. A legion of demons, whose job was to torment people, asked for mercy.  JESUS had the power to immediately speak them into being eternally tormented but restrained for it was not the right time.

• JESUS says to me “Vengeance is MINE.”
• JESUS says to me “I AM full of mercy and grace.”
• JESUS says to me “Judge not lest you be judged.”

This conversation between the demons and JESUS shows me that HE can give mercy to anyone who asks. I need to follow HIS example of giving mercy to those who may be against me.

• Did someone do something to you?
• Did they deliberately hurt you?
• Can you accept the power GOD is giving you by showing undeserved mercy on them?

Sorrow Gate

Matthew 26: ³⁶ Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. ³⁸ Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

³⁹ Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

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Deeply troubled about many things, I could not rest. I woke up in the middle of the night with my mind racing over all the things that were going on. Maybe if I work, then I can get my mind off of stuff. I could not work because of all the thoughts.

• Sometimes I get worried.
• Sometimes I get troubled.
• Sometimes I am so full of sorrow, I cannot even think.

As JESUS approached HIS death HE was sorrowful and troubled. Only HE and the FATHER knew what it meant to be blamed for every sin of mankind and JESUS was going to do just that. HE faced deep sorrow but did something amazing.

• JESUS showed me how to pray in the middle of my sorrow.
• JESUS showed me how to ask for the FATHER’s will and not mine.
• JESUS showed me how to bring friends along to watch over me in my sorrow so I won’t stay there.

Deity wrapped in humanity was JESUS’s makeup. HE knew HIS plight and HIS humanity felt sorrow. It’s alright to feel this way but not stay that way. GOD wants me to open a gate to HIM and pray. HE wants to take my sorrow, guilt and shame. All I have to do is pray.

• Are you full of sorrow?
• Are you troubled?
• Will you pray to the FATHER about your troubles so HE can give you peace?  

In loving memory of cousin Curtis.

Apprentice Time

Matthew 21: ¹⁸ Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. ¹⁹ Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

²⁰ When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

²¹ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. ²² If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

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Curiosity filled my mind as I was about to embark on my journey. I had never been this far away from home in my life and I was excited! I turned the corner and saw people I had never seen before. I kept pedaling and made it back from around the block. This was my first time visiting the block over!

• When I have never done something before, I wonder if it can be done.
• When I am venturing into the unknown I am curious and sometimes quite scared.
• When I cannot see the path and I am told to “go” I question the sender.

JESUS is giving the disciples a lesson in faith. HE tells them they can do incredible things here on earth if they would only believe. HE says the same for me. At one point I did not know if I could make it around the block on my bike. I had the same doubts about driving to school, to college and across a nation. BUT GOD showed me I could.

• GOD does not expect me to immediately have faith.
• GOD does not expect me to instantly know I can connect to HIS incredible power and strength.
• GOD does not expect me to know everything HE can do.

Gaining faith is a daily walk JESUS had to tell HIS disciples that they could move mountains if they believed. They were HIS apprentices. I am too. JESUS shows me HIS miracles daily and soon I believe more and more in HIS power. After a while I believe HE can do anything so all I need to do is ask and it will be done. GO is truly amazing!

• Do you think you do not have enough faith to amazing things?
• Can you start small and add a measure of faith daily?
• Will you stop looking at yourself and believe that GOD can do anything, all you have to do is ask?